Following the third annual Tissot-UCI Mountain Bike World Cup at Grouse Mountain in North Vancouver, July 12-13, enthusiasts move 75 miles north to the Whistler Summer Gravity Festival, poised to be the next stop on the official (and unofficial) mountain bike circuit.

"The Summer Gravity Festival will truly put Whistler on the map as a year-round destination resort," said Barrett Fisher, Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Tourism Whistler. "Whistler is known for its ski, snowboard and golf product, and now will come into its own for mountain biking."

An ideal destination for the event, the mountain town of Whistler, British Columbia, has been touted as a mountain bike mecca with extensive cross-country and downhill trails through the region, and the famous downhill terrain in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. Prolific mountain bike writer, Rob Story, says of Whistler in the October 2001 issue of Sports Illustrated Women: "The area might have the finest mountain biking in North America".

"This festival will attract top-calibre athletes from around the globe, while showcasing home-grown Canadian talent," said Rob McSkimming, Director of Sports Programming for Whistler Blackcomb. "With a full-blown program of competitive and entertainment events, the festival will be a draw for not only professional and amateur riders, but anyone who has a mountain bike or a taste for thrilling spectator events."

The Tim Hortons Mountain Bike National Championships, Canada's annual definitive mountain bike event, will be a major feature of the first Whistler Summer Gravity Festival. It will showcase the likes of reigning two-time World Champion Roland Green and Olympic Silver Medallist Alison Sydor who will be racing for a national champion jersey.

"Whistler has made a substantial investment into mountain biking trails and recreational infrastructure throughout the resort," said John Rae, Manager of Strategic Alliances for the Resort Municipality of Whistler. "The Whistler Summer Gravity Festival will provide the opportunity to present our incredible mountain bike product to the world."

Whistler Summer Gravity Festival July 14-20, 2003 will include an exciting roster of events:

Joyride Bikercross - this head-to-head downhill race will start the festival with a bang with confirmed attendance from the likes of multi-time World Champion Brian Lopes and other big names promising a thrilling athlete and specator experience.

Air DH - a fast and furious downhill race on Whistler Mountain's A-line, the most popular trail in the world.

World's Biggest Loonie Race - presented by the Whistler Off-Road Cycling Association (WORCA), any keen riders can sign up for this single track race and great after party.

The Whistler Village Fat Tire Criterium - wheel-to-wheel race around a course in the heart of Whistler Village, starting with a kid's race with adults to follow.

Trials Competition - the best trials riders gather to perform in the heart of Whistler Village.

To complement the race action, the festival will also feature clinics, performers and bike shows every day throughout Whistler Village, a "Ride with the Stars" event, and an industry expo and free daily concerts at the main stage in Skiers Plaza at the base of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park.

The Whistler Summer Gravity Festival is produced by Whistler Blackcomb, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, and Tourism Whistler. Visit www.whistlergravity.com for full event details.

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